urg’s Happy, Healthy and Wealthy 2011 Diary

Buffythedebtslayer

I am also just back (well Friday!) glad you are back safely and had a good time

take care hon

xxxx

urg123

Evening All!

I can't believe I've been back for two weeks. It has been really busy with lots of ups and downs! I can't talk about all of it here but I can honestly say I am shattered.

The holiday itself was mostly great. It was lovely to see family and do some special things but it was also quite hard spend two whole weeks with my brother and dad! I've been having a break from them but I am missing my dad and haven't had a chance to see him this week so will have to make an effort to catch him this week.

We came back to hear my gran had been taken back into hospital - I find it quite distressing because I have got quite close to her since my mum passed away. Thankfully she came home late last week and seems to be improving. We went to see her for a while today. There has also been some other illness in the family and that is quite worrying.

Since coming back from the break - we have been rushing round to get everything ready for the kitchen. we have emptied the kitchen into the living room and have set up a 'camp kitchen'. It's been really stressful in parts and DH and I have had a few words! Part of it is my lack of understanding of what is needed and the rest is his stress as he is worried aobut not geting the project finished. We are bit calmer now that the kitchen is completely cleared out (I am so glad it is gone!:j).

We've got everything sorted to get the electrics, plastering and plumbing in over the next few days. The kitchen arrives on Friday and the hard work starts.

The costs are mounting up, and I didn't realise how much plumbing and electrics costed! Oh well, it's still within budget and we're saving a huge amount because DH and FiL are installing the kitchen. We can sort of relax for the next few days before the kitchen arrives.

There is quite a long list of things to do. I need to get to grips with finances and also need to start thinking about the finishing items for the kitchen = tiles, flooring etc!

I'll try to be better about updating and hope you are all okay in diaryland. I have been up with catching diaries and it's great to see my friends are doing well.

waving to you all

urg x x

hypno06

It does indeed sound quite stressful! but it will all be worth it in the end :T

taxi73

you're kitchen will be worth it in the end

urg123

Hi Everyone

The kitchen is coming on well - electrics and plastering has been done. The kitchen gets delivered tomorrow and the plumbing is being done on Monday. Still got lots to do but it does feel like it is moving forward.

The camp kitchen is going okay. We had a raclette on Monday which was fun, and microwavable ready meals for the last two nights. I think we'll have soup tonight. I haven't been taking lunches in so I do need to get that organised!

The buildings insurance has been renewed at a small increased rate (14 for the year). It's hard to shop around as I need to organise 'block' buildings insurance for the whole property. We have used the same broker for a few years. The few times I have shopped around, I haven't found better.

I must admit, I haven't really managed to watch my spending this month so will start again from the next payday. I have been doing some sums to make sure that money is being put aside to pay off the kitchen without incurring any other costs. I also bought a lovely skirt in the Monsoon sale today!!!

We have to go and pay respects to my mum's best friend as her mum passed away the other day. She was in her 90s but I will still miss popping by and having a chat with her - she was always so gentle and wise.

Hope you are all well in diaryland.

urg x x

Swinstie73

You'll be glad to get your kitchen back urg, but camp kitchens can be quite fun too. I lived on microwave meals when I got mines done, ok, so it only took two days but it was fun just the same.

urg123

Hi All,

Kitchen has been coming on really well. The base units are mostly in and it is really taking shape. We've had a few issues and some things have not been delivered but the main things are here. We've even been able to add another small unit. A small additional cost but one I am not worried about.

Weekend was a bit hectic. Went to the funeral on Saturday and the rest of the weekend flew by. Am pretty shattered now and may even head to bed soon.

Waving to you all.

urg x x

hypno06

Waving right back!

Glad the kitchen is coming along, but just remember to look after yourself - with the funeral etc, and the disruption to the kitchen you are still taking on a lot x

urg123

Hi Everyone!

For some reason I am up at silly o'clock! It might be a delayed red wine thing. I usually wake up too early after drinking it but I had a half bottle on Thursday night not last night!

This week has been really busy. The kitchen is coming on and we should have running water and gas plumbed in today. Once that is done I can get started on moving some things back and getting about three loads of washing done!

I had a lOvely evening out with a friend on Thursday and it made me realise how much I need to start getting out with friends. I really have hidden myself away for the 15 months or so.

Moneywise - well it's going to be tight for a while as we get the kitchen finished and paid for. It's still doable and made me realise how much we need to keep to my MSE ways. I want to get my budget book back up and running. I also need to get my savings accounts in order.

My lodger moves put this summer so no extra cash from July onwards so I have to be ready for that. It was so easy to have her living with us and having a lodger over the last few years really has helped me to get to where I am today financially. DH and I have decided not to take on anyone else. It will be nice for it to be just us.

I might go off and explore the boards for a while!

Have a good weekend!

Urg x x

urg123

I am soooo tired!

Need to get up when the shower is free and hope that wakes me up. That and a large strong coffee. But first I need a list - I can only function with one!

• Help DH with the kitchen doors
• Visit big b&q to get remaining items
• Start to move into the kitchen
• Washing - haven't had the machine for over a week!
• Food shop for forthcoming week
• Get online and sort finances
• Call aunt who got back from hols
• Call/visit gran
• Call best friend - am missing her
• Ironing when clothes are dry
• Clean bathroom
• Food shop for week
• Think about what flooring and tiles will work in kitchen

I am sure there is loads more but the bathroom is now free and plumber will be here in 15 mins.

Have a good weekend - I may need to go back to work for a rest!

Urg